Resources

Handbook for Worship: Christian Worship Experiences for Persons with Dementia (Holland Home, 2005)

CICW Connection
This publication was made possible through a Worship Renewal Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. The grant developed and piloted a hospitable worship model for persons with mid- to late stage dementia. The handbook presents the concepts and rationale for planning worship experiences and activities for persons with dementia living in a residential unit. The project also included workshops, training sessions, and a one-day conference for worship leaders.

In 2002, Holland Home's (Grand Rapids, Michigan) Spirituality Committee established a Spiritual Care for Residents with Dementia sub-committee composed of Holland Home staff, volunteers, and a chaplain from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. This team received the Worship Renewal Grant. The project, which started in 2003, became known as Evening Star: Worship Ministry for Persons with Dementia. The name Evening Star was chosen to represent the fact that appropriate worship can shine as bright light even in the gathering shadows of dementia.

Description
This handbook is intended for planning and developing Christian worship experiences for residents with dementia living in long-term care facilities.

Persons with dementia continue to have a strong need for worship and have the ability to respond in a meaningful relationship to God. The Evening Star worship model provides a personal, individualized worship experience through use of familiar hymns, prayers, stories, and religious symbols. Related re-encounter activities help to revisit the worship themes throughout the week and provide added reassurances of God's presence.

Also see resources in Christian Worshipers—Older Adults and Worship.